South Umpqua Falls
Oregon · 15-foot drop · Umpqua National Forest · Last verified 2026-05-23
South Umpqua Falls is a wide 15-foot bedrock slide on the South Umpqua River — a natural waterslide that is the main swimming destination in southern Oregon's forests. The river flows over gently sloping mossy rock, then drops into a deep plunge pool. There's an adjacent campground (first-come, first-served). Spring snowmelt makes the slide dangerously fast through June; mid-summer is when it becomes a swim hole.
The trail
0.25 miles each way, rated easy with 50 feet of elevation gain. South Umpqua Falls Recreation Area lot off FR-28. Free.
Compare to nearby falls
If this one isn't the right fit, here's how it stacks up against the closest documented falls. Every column is filterable on the site — not buried in 13,000 reviews.
| Waterfall | Distance | Height | Trail | Dogs | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Umpqua Falls (this page) | — | 15 ft | easy · 0.25 mi | Y | Free |
| Campbell Falls | 4 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Deer Lick Falls | 7 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Falls | 9 mi | — | — | Y | Free |
| Clover Falls | 11 mi | — | — | — | — |
| Hemlock Falls | 11 mi | — | — | — | — |
Related waterfalls
Similar height (~15 ft)
- Abrigo Falls15 ft
- Artist Point Falls15 ft
- Bartlett Falls15 ft
- Bechler Falls15 ft
- Butte Falls15 ft
Same best season in Oregon
- Diamond Creek Falls90 ft
- Tamanawas Falls108 ft
- Linton Falls615 ft
Questions visitors ask about South Umpqua Falls
Answers built from our structured data. If a question isn't here, the fact is unverified — we'd rather omit than guess.
How tall is South Umpqua Falls?
South Umpqua Falls is 15 feet (4.6 m) tall. Height is sourced from USFS Umpqua.
Is South Umpqua Falls in a national or state park?
Yes — South Umpqua Falls is inside Umpqua National Forest. See the park page for fees, hours, and current conditions.
Can I bring my dog to South Umpqua Falls?
Yes — dogs are allowed (Umpqua National Forest permits leashed dogs in most areas). Always leash and pack out waste.
Can you swim at South Umpqua Falls?
South Umpqua Falls has a swimmable area. The plunge pool below the slide and shallow areas above are some of southern Oregon's best summer swimming. Natural bedrock waterslide is the main attraction — water temp around 70°F in August.
When is the best time to visit South Umpqua Falls?
Peak flow is typically July, August, September. Season-wise: summer. Snowmelt and recent rain affect day-to-day volume.
Is there a fee to visit South Umpqua Falls?
No entrance fee. Umpqua National Forest is free to access. Some trailheads may charge a parking fee separately.
How far is South Umpqua Falls from a major city?
South Umpqua Falls is 20 miles from Tiller (about 35 minutes' drive).
More waterfalls in Oregon
Where it is
43.0546, -122.6863
Sources and live status
Where we got the data, and where to check current conditions before you drive.
Last verified by Fallspots: 2026-05-23
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